From 25 September to 5 October 2026, Parc Chanot hosts the 101st Marseille International Fair. Founded in 1925 by a cooperative of sales representatives, admitted to the Union des Foires Internationales in 1929, it brings together around 1,000 exhibitors and 300,000 visitors across 120,000 m² of exhibition space. It is the unmissable autumn event in Marseille, as much a commercial showcase as a family tradition.
"The Mediterranean on Stage", 2026 theme
For the first time, the Fair dedicates its entire edition to the Mediterranean. The Allée de la Méditerranée, a new immersive space inspired by traditional souks, offers colourful stalls, spices, crafts and flavours from both shores. The Italian Pavilion, coordinated by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for France in Marseille (CCIFM), showcases Italian gastronomy, design and tourism.
The food halls, my personal favourite
If there is one reason not to miss the Fair, it is the food stands. You can discover cuisines from around the world, from Lebanese specialities to Japanese dishes, Corsican charcuterie and Middle Eastern pastries. Every year, I make sure to explore every aisle, it is a genuine culinary journey. The Gastronomy Festival, organised by the Gourmediterranée association on 3 and 4 October, rounds out the programme with demonstrations and encounters centred on Mediterranean culinary heritage.
INNOVA'Marseille, the startup showcase
From 25 to 27 September, INNOVA'Marseille sets up a startup village at the heart of the Fair. Young innovative companies from the region present their projects to the public, professionals and the media. Three prizes are awarded: the press prize, the professionals' prize and the public prize. It is a space I particularly enjoy, where you can see concrete ideas brought to life by local entrepreneurs.
Evening events and entertainment
Late-night openings extend the Fair until 11 pm with DJs, concerts, The Voice casting sessions and shows (flamenco, "Voyage au-delà des mers"). Weekday afterwork sessions are free from 5 pm to 7 pm, perfect for discovering the Fair after work.
Practical information
Parc Chanot is located at 114 Rond-Point du Prado, 13008 Marseille. Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays, 10 am to 8 pm at weekends, until 11 pm on late-night evenings. Full price: EUR 8 on site, EUR 6 online. Family pack (2 adults + 2 children under 18): EUR 18. Free for children under 12. Special free days are scheduled for seniors, women and jobseekers.
Getting to Parc Chanot with MR Taxi
Traffic and parking information is communicated by the organisers and the town hall before the event: check it before you set off. MR Taxi drops you as close as possible and picks you up at the exit, from all towns in the region, at the guaranteed maximum price announced at booking. If the place is hard to reach, I will give you an easily accessible meeting point.
It is advisable to book at least 24 hours ahead, but even at the last minute I adapt and find a solution. Estimate your trip on the Private transport page or contact us.
